Time Management

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Many university students find that they do not have enough time
needed to obtain the A's in their classes, especially those who
have other responsibilities outside of academics (e.g., family
& work). Taking time to plan your schedule may seem
overwhelming when you already don't have enough time. However after
some initial set-up time, the 5 minutes you spend each day on time
management can significantly improve your effectiveness in various
aspects of your life.

Where Do You Spend Your Time?

The first step in organizing your time is to assess where you
are currently spending your time. Complete this worksheet to get an
idea. After completing your worksheet, decide whether the time you
spent on various activities fit with your priorities.

Tips

Although the following tips may seem overwhelming when you are
not used to regularly using a scheduler/planner, you will find that
implementing these tips will increase your effectiveness in various
areas of your life.

Priorities/values. Before you try to manage your time, it is
helpful to know your priorities/values in life.

Make a list of what is important for you. (E.g., physical
health, deep relationship connections, continual intellectual
development, etc.)

Differentiate between what is IMPORTANT and what is URGENT;
Urgency (e.g., phone call) does not necessarily mean it is
important at the moment.

For the items that are important to you, make sure you set
aside time for them (e.g., eating lunch for your health).

Goal-Setting.

Identify long-term (5-year; 1-year) goals according to your
priorities. Be specific in your goals, and make sure they are
realistic & achievable (e.g., finish college within 4 years
with a 3.5 GPA).

And, create short-term goals (weekly and monthly goals) that
get you closer to your long-term goals.

Keep your list of goals and priorities with you and visible
at all times so that you are reminded often of your desired life
direction.

Use a planner.

Create a semester (for that big picture)
and weekly schedule that relates to your goals. If your
priority is "to get at least a 3.5 GPA this semester," then write
in your planner the things you need to do to accomplish that GPA.
(For example, you may want to block out time in a specific date
when you will go to the library to start that research paper that
is due at the end of the semester.)

Remember that a planner is only effective if you use it at
least once a day, and keep it with you at all times in cases when
you need to change your pre-planned schedule.

During the first week of class as you get your green sheets
(syllabi) from various classes, write in your planner when exams,
quizzes, and projects are due. Then, estimate how much time you
need to complete those assignments. Divide each assignment into
smaller goals, and write the tasks associated with those smaller
goals in your planner as well, spacing them out over time.

Include time for family and exercise, if family and your
health are important for you;

Block out class time, group project time, and time for meals,
sleep, so that you have a balanced schedule;

Keep in mind that in order to obtain that A in a class, it is
recommended that you study 3 hours per week outside of class for
every unit of the class. (This time recommendation is for the
majority of university classes, though some will require more or
less depending on the demand of the class.) Thus, block out your
schedule to fit this recommendation.

Optimal performance.

Know the time of day when you are most effective. Block out
your schedule and study most difficult or boring subjects at that
time.

Use the same place to study every time -- enhances
concentration ability.

Avoid noise distractions -- research indicates that silence
is best.

Use all the minutes and seconds.

Use waiting time -- 3x5 note cards can be reviewed, for
example, while you wait for the doctor's appointment.

While you wait for the next class to start, take the few
minutes to review your notes from the class that you just had.
Research has found that you retain more information if you review
the material immediately after a lecture.

To-do list.

Create a daily to-do list, preferably alongside your daily
schedule.

Use the ABC system to rank your priorities on the to-do list.
A=Have to do that day; B=preferably do that day; C=Would be nice,
but there's no hurry.

Keep your to-do list with you at all times, so that you can
add as you remember things to do, re-prioritize if needed, and
check off as you complete each item.

Time wasters.

In addition to these planning tips, there are some
interpersonal skills that may be helpful to learn as well.

Learn to say "no" or "let me think about it" before you
automatically say "yes." Some other alternate answers
include:

"Thank you for the invite, but I've promised myself to be
better in finishing my class work.

Thanks for asking, but I've made other plans.

Suggest another time

Screen calls. You do not have to answer that phone right away
or return that e-mail this hour.

Be Flexible!

Even with the most efficient planning, things will happen
that will throw off your schedule and intentions (e.g., you or
someone else may get sick, meetings may be rescheduled to a
different time). This is the same reason it is recommended that
you have your planner with you to make adjustments when things
happen.

Build in extra time.

Although you can't add minutes to your day, you can set aside
some insulation in your schedule to anticipate unexpected
changes. For example, if you estimate that it will take you 2
hours to read for 1 chapter, add in an extra half hour when you
block out your schedule.

Know Your Resources

Counseling Services (Please call 408-924-5910
for more information)
We encourage you to come to Counseling Services in
Administration Building, Room 201, to consult and learn more time
management skills. Our personal counselors are available for
walk-ins M-F, 10am-4pm, for emergency/crisis walk-ins M-F,
8:30am-4:30pm, and it's a FREE service for you! Please call
408-924-5910 for more information.
We also have educational counselor available to help you
with study skills, career decisions, and also time management.

Student Health Center (924-6120)
Physicians & Nurse Practitioners, Registered Dietitian
are all available to help you maintain a physically healthy life